Are You Ready for Thanksgiving?

This may the only big family meal you cook all year -- or, more likely, it's one in a succession of meals. Either way, Thanksgiving dinner is fraught with anxiety for even the most seasoned cook.

Thanksgiving is everyone's "favorite meal." Each family member has distinct ideas about what dishes should be on the table. Try suggesting lemon meringue pie instead of pumpkin and listen to the outcry!

Before you roast the turkey or mash the potatoes, stock the kitchen with the right equipment for the cooking tasks ahead.

Pots and PansIf you've been meaning to buy a good roasting pan for the turkey, now is the time. Otherwise, grab a large aluminum one at the supermarket now - don't wait too long or they may be sold out.

Roasting pans are pricey but one with solid construction, sturdy handles, and a roasting rack will last a lifetime.

Make sure you have a pot large enough to boil the potatoes and a baking dish for the sweet potato or green bean casserole.

If you plan to bake your own pies or make your own bread, buy glass pie plates and metal bread pans. If you're making cornbread, make sure you have a square baking pan (a "brownie" pan) for the batter.

ThermometersA meat thermometer is invaluable when roasting a turkey. We suggest a standard meat thermometer, which you insert in the meaty part of the breast at the beginning of cooking. Make sure the gauge faces out so it's easy to read.

An instant-read thermometer is great for other tasks. Insert it in the stuffing to make sure it's hot enough, or use it to tell if a small turkey breast is done.

An oven thermometer lets you know if your oven is accurate. If not, you can adjust the temperature dial up or down. This will promote even and timely cooking and baking.

A refrigerator thermometer gauges the interior of the refrigerator. We tend to overload our 'fridges during the holidays, which puts undue stress on them. An inexpensive thermometer will let you know if you need to turn the temperature down to keep the refrigerator at the desired 40°F.

Other Kitchen EquipmentIf you don't have a turkey baster or potato masher, buy these relatively inexpensive items now. Check your supply of wooden spoons, rubber spatulas, and whisks. Make sure you have a long-handled fork and a good set of tongs.

The more you plan ahead for the big day, the more smoothly it will go. You may well have forgotten that last year you didn't have a platter large enough for the turkey, your knives were dull, or you forgot to iron the tablecloth. Don't be caught off guard this year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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APPLE-ONION ROAST TURKEY WITH PAN GRAVY Even though turkeys are rarely stuffed in the South, cooks usually tuck a few flavorful ingredients—like apple and onion—inside the bird before it goes into the oven. In this recipe, the outside of the turkey is rubbed with bacon drippings so that the ski